Friday, December 26, 2008

The weather managed to to relent for Christmas. It was a tad difficult to find parking in Chicago but otherwise the trip to both families went remarkably well. From what we experienced the city has not plowed side-streets so there were larger than expected snow banks. At least, there weren't any attempts to save spaces with chairs and other household objects.

I'm very excited by the presents I received this year; most are related to knitting. Here's a sampling:

I've already used the interchangeable needles to work on a pedal bib (found in One Skein by Leigh Radford). They're slicker then I thought they would be and not as blunt as the bamboo needles I own, which was very useful when having to p3tog. Their crayola-like colorway is what drew me to them. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Chicagoland-area is a giant mess. Snow has been accumulating since early this morning. The news is reporting it will end this evening, leaving the morning commute open to question. At least, snow plows and salt trucks will have a better chance of clearing the streets. Right now with the snow still coming down, it's just unpleasant.

Our side street only bears the marks of car tracks and has piles of 3" and more along the sides. I expect it'll be more along the lines of 6" by tomorrow morning. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they plow before I head to the train station.

It's certainly not the best shot, but you get the idea of what it's like to be here -- cold, wet and desperately in need of cocoa.

Monday, December 15, 2008

The website went live today and I was excited to be there when it did.

I was able to purchase a membership to the Rockin' Sock Club. It's definitely a large chunk of next year's yarn budget. While I have never participated in the club before, I have high hopes that it will be an awesome experience. I looked over last year's blog and the socks are gorgeous both in the patterns and in the yarn colors. I've only knit three socks so I'm sure receiving six packages over the year will prove to be quite the challenge.

I'm hoping to get through at least three of them over the year. I'll keep the blog posted as the kits arrive.

If anyone's interesting in join the Rockin' Sock Club (while supplies last), go to http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

My dear ex-pat friend, Jill, who now roams the Scottish Isles, recently sent me a care package containing yarn and some jam. The package arrived on Saturday. I can't wait to dig into the homemade blackberry preserves that she grew on their allotment.

I went to my five-year college reunion and she gave me all these nifty Scottish tidbits. The most bizarre and tasty being Branston Pickle.

The yarn is called Elvincraft. A woman on the Isle of Skye hand-dyes the wool, which is a mixture of her own sheep and sheep from the Shetland Islands (also part of Scotland). Jill reports the Isle of Skye is "completely covered in sheep." I have to find a pattern that can feature the various colors in all their splendor.

About Me

I'm living out in the 'burbs with my adoring husband. I pass the days working in a fundraising department for a national organization. In the evenings and on the weekend, I have time to read and knit. My weekends are also spent lounging and becoming cultured at the symphony and opera. I also adore food...fancy schmancy food (Charlie Trotter's, Moto, Avenues, Blackbird, Frontera Grill, Grahm Elliott, Schwa, Lockwood, Topolobampo, etc.). Did I mention I enjoy knitting?